Heart Disease Risk Factors

Heart disease risk factors include being overweight, inactive, smoking, having high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, and a family history of heart disease. These factors can increase the chance of developing heart disease. Some risk factors, like family history and age, are beyond our control, but others, like diet and exercise, can be managed to reduce the risk. It's important to pay attention to your doctor's advice if you have been warned about being at risk for heart disease.